Canucks coach Rick Tocchet anticipated Kravtsov to place within the work this summer season. He did not anticipate the Russian winger to bolt dwelling
Article content material
The Vancouver Canucks rolled out the purple carpet for Vitali Kravtsov.
Commercial 2
Article content material
They had been going to provide the Russian winger a possibility to rejuvenate his stagnant NHL profession following a Feb. 25 commerce with the New York Rangers.
Article content material
He had however six factors (3-3) in 28 video games with the Blueshirts and their first-round choose in 2019 — ninth general — clearly wanted a change of surroundings.
The Canucks offered an extra consolation issue together with his world junior hockey event teammate Vasily Podkolzin on the roster, together with countrymen Andrei Kuzmenko and the rehabbing Ilya Mikheyev additionally within the fold.
What might go incorrect? How about all the pieces in a failed roll of the cube?
Kravtsov, 23, tripped on that carpet and by no means regained his steadiness. He appeared misplaced and lacked engagement and was learn the riot act about bettering.
Article content material
Commercial 3
Article content material
The restricted free agent reacted by reportedly agreeing Monday to signal a two-year Kontinental Hockey League contract with Chelyabinsk Traktor. He had performed 5 seasons with the membership in numerous Russian leagues.
The Canucks can nonetheless qualify Kravtsov to retain his rights. They parted with winger Will Lockwood and a seventh-round 2026 draft choose within the transaction. Extra importantly, he’s sending Canucks coach Rick Tocchet the incorrect sort of message. He’s huge at 6-foot-3, 186 kilos, however performed comfortable.
Tocchet anticipated Kravtsov, who was restricted to only two factors (1-1) in 16 video games with the Canucks, to place within the work this summer season. To not bolt dwelling.
Tocchet offered alternative but in addition had Kravtsov on a brief leash. He was scratched eight occasions, together with 5 occasions within the ultimate eight video games, as a result of the bench boss had seen sufficient.
Commercial 4
Article content material
He had allowed the winger to mesh into the lineup in an alignment with Podkolzin and Sheldon Dries. He even recreation him shifts with Elias Pettersson to get his offensive motor working.
“He has simply received to know,” mentioned a pissed off Tocchet. “He has to indicate us he desires to play. He’s good child, however I’m undecided he is aware of the work stage but.”
A part of the pre-departure angst is that Kravtsov did present glimpses of what he can do.
Tocchet had him out in an additional time pairing with Podkolzin throughout a 5-4 shootout win over the Nashville Predators on March 6. Earlier on that very same night time, the pair was transferring into the offensive zone at velocity. Podkolzin instinctively put a no-look move off the sideboards to catch Kravtsov in full flight for a scoring probability.
Commercial 5
Article content material
It was both a one-off or hope that Kravtsov would profit from a full camp with Tocchet.
Now we all know how these dominoes would fall.
If something, the departure will liberate $875,000 in wage cap house and reduces a glut of wingers. And it’s excellent news for Nils Hoglander, who discovered his recreation in Abbotsford after being transport to the AHL affiliate in December after simply three objectives and 6 assists in 25 video games.
He responded with extra push, chunk and manufacturing and completed the common season with 32 factors (14-18) in 45 video games and had a major playoff presence with six factors (3-3) in six robust video games to attract Canucks administration reward.
[email protected]
twitter.com/benkuzma
-
Canucks: Does Travis Inexperienced have a legit shot at working the Flames bench?
-
Canucks Underneath The Microscope: Can Vitali Kravtsov change into a participant as an alternative of a mission?
Originally posted 2023-05-23 03:09:22.
Feedback
Postmedia is dedicated to sustaining a vigorous however civil discussion board for dialogue and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. Feedback could take as much as an hour for moderation earlier than showing on the positioning. We ask you to maintain your feedback related and respectful. We have now enabled electronic mail notifications—you’ll now obtain an electronic mail for those who obtain a reply to your remark, there’s an replace to a remark thread you comply with or if a consumer you comply with feedback. Go to our Neighborhood Pointers for extra info and particulars on easy methods to regulate your electronic mail settings.
Be a part of the Dialog